Members of the IGBC also expressed their opinion on the preliminary future work programme of the IBC for 2014-2015.

Furthermore, in order to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the UNESCO Bioethics Programme, two items on the agenda provided a retrospective look at past achievements and lessons learnt, and a forward looking perspective on the future of UNESCO’s actions in the field of bioethics.

As the outcome of the session, IGBC approved a number of conclusions [PDF] which are included in the final report of the meeting.

Decision related to the election of the next IGBC Bureau

The IGBC also unanimously decided to suspend Rules 12.1 and 12.2 of its Rules of Procedure for the election of its next Bureau, and authorized the Secretariat to conduct this election in English and French only. This election is proposed to take place during or immediately after the 37th General Conference, and the Secretariat will inform all Member States of IGBC and of UNESCO as soon as a suitable date, time and venue have been confirmed with the Secretariat of the General Conference.

Celebration event for the 20th Anniversary of Bioethics at UNESCO

A celebration event for the 20th Anniversary was also held during the afternoon of Friday, 6 September 2013, after the official closure of the 8th Session of the IGBC. This event highlighted UNESCO’s achievements in bioethics for the past two decades, as well as engaged prominent bioethicists and the general public in a discussion about emerging challenges for bioethics.